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The 

King 

Memorial 



041 






By HENRY P. PHELPS 



ALBAXV 
PHELl'.S AXD KELLOGG 

1893 






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600 copies 
printed for private distribution 



Copyright 

J. Howard King 

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A MAN OF BUSINESS 



A S has been said of nations, so it mav he said of indi- 
viduals, 
" Blessed are they who have no histoiv." 
The soldier, the diseoverer. the statesman, the scientist, the 
actor, the artist, the man of letters, even the physician, the 
la\v\ er, the cler<i"vman, if at ail eniinenl in his profession or 
calling, becomes so throu,s;h struggles and achiexements, 
defeats and victories, the record of whicli must alwavs be 
of more or less absorbing and e.xtcndi'd interest. It is 
among such men the world looks for its heroes; it is of 
such material popular biography is made. 

But with the merchant, the iinancier, the successful man 
of business, it is diffeient. I lis work may be as arduous 
and exacting; it ma)' call for as high a degree of ability; 
it certainly requires possession of qualities which command 
respect and conlidence ; but it is devoid of the startling 
and the sensational; the counting-house is a dull arena 
conq)ared with the l)attle-field ; tliere are no feathers in 
the hat of the banker; he does not enthrall the masses as 



6 A MAN OF liUSINESS. 

does the actor or the orator; his life is without climax, 
and often without incident. He gains esteem, hut not 
applause ; his virtues shine, but they do not dazzle. Imc- 
quentlv he is a private benefactor, but seldom a public hero. 
It does not follow, however, that the man most in the 
public eye is the man of most consequence to the public 
good. The pennant gaily streaming in the summer breeze 
attracts more attention, but it is certainlv not more im- 
portant to the welfare of the ship, than the anchor 

" Deep down among sea-weed and ooze, 
With a grip on the base of the world." 



Rufus H. King, for more than half a century resident 
in the city of Albany, N. Y., was in the highest, broadest, 
noblest sense a representative Man of Business, and it is as 
such that his children, holding him in loving remembrance, 
have erected in the beautiful Washington park a magnificent 
testimonial to perpetuate, so far as possible, the honor and 
esteem in which he was held by the men and women of 
his day and generation. 



A SOLDIER OF THK REVOLUTION. 



RUFUS H. KING 



IV/T R. KING was l)orn in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Novem- 
ber 30, 1794. His father, Gen. Joshua King-, came 
from Braintree, Massachusetts, and entering the army of the 
Revolution at the age of seventeen, was made a cornet, and 
afterwards a Heutenant in the Second Re^-iment of Lig^ht 
Dragoons, under Col. Sheldon. They were stationed near 
the line between Connecticut and New York, and it was 
while in service here that there appeared one morning at 
headquarters, an adjutant and four men belonging to the 
Connecticul militia, having in charge a prisoner who 
looked somewhat like a gentleman in reduced circum- 
stances. He had on a purple coat with gold lace, worn 
threadbare, a small-brimmed, tarnished, beaver hat, nan- 
keen small-clothes, and long white-top boots. His hair 
was tied in a queue, with long black band, and his clothes 
were travel-stained. Lieut. King, to whom the prisoner 
was delivered, saw at once that he had to do with a person 
of more than ordinary importance, and his own barber 
coming in to shave him, the same service was offered to 
the stranger and gladly accepted. When the ribbon was 
taken from his hair, the lieutenant observed that it was full 
of powder which, with other circumstances, conhrmed his 
previous impression. After being shaved the prisoner 
asked the privilege of going to bed till his linen and small- 
clothes could be washed, but this was made unnecessary by 
Lieut. King offering a change of clothing which was 



8 THE rAPTURK (IK MAJOR ANDRE. 

accL'plrd. Thrsc liltlc courtesies so won the conticlence of 
the prisoner thai lie revealed to Lieut. King the fact that 
he was none other than Major John Andre, adjutant- 
general of the British arinv, and that he had been arrested 
inside the American lines. Asking for pen and paper he 
proceeded to wiite toCieii. Washington, Imt liefore mid- 
night orders came finm llu- eommander-in-ehief to forward 
the prisoner at once to head<|uarters, and this was also 
done under charge of Lieut. King. These facts and other 
interesting inlOrmation in ulation to the capture of ALijor 
Andre are emhodit'd in a Utter written by Gen. King in 
1817, anil jiuhlished in the " History of Ridgefield," hv 
Re\'. I^aniel \V. TelK'r, where it is further stated that the 
young lieutenant ri-mained with .\ndre at headquarters till 
the execution, and even walked with him to the gallows 
on which the brave and gallant Englishman met his 
shameful death. 

Lieut. King (afterwards general of the state militia) 
having become attached to the part of the country where 
he had served witii distinction, settled after the war in 
Ridgefield, and became a merchant and its leading citizen, 
lie married Anne, dauyhter of Rev. Jonathan Insrersoll, 
April iS, 1784. 'riu-\' had ten children, four sons and si.x 
daughters, of whom Mr. S. G. Goodrich (" Peter Parlev," 
also a native of Ridgefield, ) in his " {•lecollections of a 
Lifetime," says : 

"All reached maturity and constituted one of the comeliest 
groups I have ever known. The girls all married, save one; three 
of tlie sons — among the handsomest men of their time — professed 
bachelorism; a proof of what all shrewd observers know, that hand- 



THE KING FAMILY. 9 

some men, spontaneously enjoying the smiles of the sex, feel no 
need of resigning their liberty, while ugly men are forced to capitu- 
late on bended knees and accept the severe conditions of matri- 
mony as the only iiappy issue out of their solitude. One only, 
Rufus H. King, of Albany, took upon himself the honors of 
wedlock. All these persons possessed that happy balance of good 
sense, good feelings, good looks and good manners whicii insure 
success in life." 

Two of the daughters settled in All)any, Ann Maria 
marrying Elisha \V. .Skinner, partner for many years with 
the Websters in the printing business ; and Sophia, Wil- 
liam McHarg. 

William McHarg was the descendant of Scotch parents 
belonging to a party of eleven heads of families who settled 
in Saratoga countv in 1774, and called the place Galway, 
after the home they had left across the water. \Villiam 
was born in 177S, and eight years later removed to 
Albanv. Here he grew up and engaged in the mercantile 
business. Becomino- connected with the Kinjj familv bv 
marriage it so happened that his brother-in-law, Rufus H., 
who had acquired some experience in his father's store in 
Ridgefield, came to Albany, and on attaining to his major- 
ity was taken into parlnershii) with Mr. McHarg, under 
the firm name of McHarg & King. This was Mav i, 
18 1 5. Their ))lace of business was No. 429 South Market 
street (late 51 Court street) ami now 376-S Broadway. 

Albany was a nourishing eitv in those days. We learn 
from Spafford's Gazetteer (18131 that including the Colonic 
and other suburbs on the west side of the river, there was 
about I 2,000 inhabitants and 1,800 houses within a little 
more than a mile square ; that 356 sailing vessels paid wharf- 



lO ALBANY IX 1813. 

ao;e here either l)v the (la\- or the year; that the quantity 
of wheat annually purchased was estimated at a million 
hushels. with other urain and products nearly in the same 
])roportion ; that the yreat roads of communication between 
the eastern states and the western country centred more 
extensive intercourse at Alhan\- than at any other place 
between the eastern and western sections of the Union ; 
and it is doubtful if there were a place on the continent 
visited bv so nian\- teams; while the citv probably pos- 
sessed more real capital than any other place in the United 
States containing" the same population. 

Such a place must ha\e possessed great attractions for 
the enterprising; men of the east. Steam boating; was 
in its infancy on the Hudson ; tlie Erie canal with its 
vast future had \k-v\\ projected, and Albany as its eastern 
terminus was no doubt looked upon at that limi' as men 
have since regarded Chicago and Dululh. 

Twenty-five years earlier not more than five New Eng- 
land families were to be found in the whole citv, but 
Elkanah Watson Inul recent 1\ been showing Albany what 
a "real live \'ankee " was like. He had talked canals and 
tuinpik(.'s; he had organized two banks; lie had driwn 
hogs from tiie streets to the pound, and been the means 
of paving State street, all of which "pernicious activity" 
had brought him more cuffs than coppers. But the leaven 
was working. It does not appear that any ])rejudice which 
might have been entertained at that time against new 
comers from n\vv the border was extended to Mr. King. 
He continued in business with his brother-in-law till 1823, 



THE HOMESTEAD AT RIDOEFIELD. II 

wiicn the firm was dissolved and Rufus H. Kino- & Co. 
began business as wholesale dry goods merchants at No. 53, 
afterwards 49 State street, and there continued for twenty- 
eight long prosperous years. Associated at different times 
with Mr. King in business were his brother Joshua I. Kmg, 
Henry Bleecker and John McIIarg. 

Joshua I. King, the youngest of the family, came to 
Albany as a boy and resided with his i)r()ther, first at No. 
1 13 State street and afterwards at No. i Park place, and in 
due time was taken into partnershiji. Then, their father 
dying (August 13, 1S39), Joshua returned to Ridgefield 
and took up his abode at the old homestead where he thus 
impressed " Peter Parley" in 1S55 : 

"On Monday morning I took a wide range over tiie town witli 
Joshua King, who, by the way, is not only the successor but in 
some things the repetition of his father. He represents him in per- 
son, and has many of his qualities. He has remodeled the grounds 
around the old family mansion, amplifying and embellishing them 
with much judgment. The house* itself is unchanged, except by 
paint and the introduction of certain articles of furniture and taste- 
ful decorations — testimonials of the proprietor's repeated visits to 
Europe. Here, being a bachelor, he has gathered some of his 
nieces, and here he receives the members of the King dynasty down 
to the third generation — all seeming to regard it as the Jerusalem 
of the family. The summer gathering here is delightful, bringing 
hither the refinements of the best society of New York, Philadelphia 
and other places." 

In 1849 ^^i'- I'^'iig representetl the eleventh district in 
the Connecticut senate. He died Jidy 30, 1887. 

Henry Bleecker retired from tin- llrm of Rufus H. King 



♦The King m.^nsion, which on the death ot Mr. Joshua King became the properly of Mr. 
J. Howard King of Albany, was completely destroyed by lire in July, 1889, together with 
many heirlooms, portraits and the family Bible. It was at that time undergoing thorough 
renovation and is about to be rebuilt by Mr. King on the old plan with some modifications. 



12 TRESIDENT nK TIIK XKW VnKK STAIK P.ANK, 

& Co. in 1847. Jnlm McHarg^, son of William McHarg, 
Mr. King's first partner, l)ccame amemherin 1837 and con- 
tinued with the firm lill its dissolution and disappearance 

from the commercial historx' of Alhanv in 185 i. 



Mr. King became pn-sident of the New York State Hank 
March 16, 1840, a position wiiieh he held till his death. 
He had become a director July 9, 1828, and vice-iiresident 
October 14, 1835. He was the hank's third ])resident, his 
predecessors having been Lieut. -Gov. John Tavlcr(i8o3- 
i829\ Francis Bloodgood (1829-1840). lie was for manv 
years the chairman of the finance committee, and it was 
under his administration that the bank first acquired 
the wide reputation fur soundness and stabilitv which it 
has ever since maintained. 

On New \'ear's day, 1S66, Mr. King was presented with 
an elegant service of silver which was accompanied by the 
following letter : 

RuKus H. King, lisq., Presiilent: 

Dear Sir — At a meeting of ihe directors of the New York 
State Bank, iield on tiie 28th day of June last, the following pre- 
amble and resolutions were adopted : 

In consideration of the esteem and regard entertained by all for 
Mr. Rufus H. King, our president, who for more than thirty years 
has presided in the bank, it is unanimously considered appropriate 
that the change of the bank from a state institution to the national 
bank system, or reorganization, should be marked by a testimonial 
of his success as a banker. Tiierefore, 

Resolved, That Messrs. Ransom, Townsend, Waterman and Edson 
be appointed a committee to purchase and present to Mr. King a 



ALBANY INSURANCE CO., AI.BAW SAVINCS HANK. ] T, 

set of silver properly inscribed, as a testimonial from the share- 
holders and directors of the bank. 

On motion, Resolved, That the cashier be added to said com- 
mittee. 

In accordance witli the duty prescribed in the above resolutions, 
the undersigned have pleasure in informing you tliat they have 
procured the accompanying soup-tureen and plateau, vegetable 
dishes and stands and gravy boats, of which on behalf of the 
shareholders and directors of the bank they ask your acceptance, 
with their best wishes for your health and happiness. 

We are, sir, resi^ectfuUy your obedient servants, 

S. H. Ransom, 
Franklin Townsend, 
Jeremiah Waterman, 
Franklin Edson, 
J. H. Van Antwerp. 
Albany, December 28, 1865. 



Mr. Kiny' became a tlircctor in the Alhanv Insurance 
Companv in Marcli, 1S31 ; its vice-president in Julv, 1859, 
and its president in janiiarv, 1S62. This compain', ortjan- 
ized in iSii, is tlie second oldi'St insurance ciimpan\' in 
the state. 

-~ Just as the war was hreakinsj out in 1S61, Mr. King 
l)ecame pfesident of the Albany Savings Bank of wliieh 
he had l)ccn a trustee since 1843. It was charteri'd .March 
14, 1820, and is the second oldest savings bank in the state. 

It was with these three financial institutions, each the 
oldest of its kiml in the citwof Albaiu', that Mr. King 
wasparticularlv identified. Since their establishment hun- 
dreds of similar corporations throughout the countr\- have 
gone to wreck, blasting in their fall tc-n ihnLisand fortunes, 

3 



14 A TRirLE MONUMENT. 

wijiins^ out of existence ten thousand incomes. It is not 
liv chance merciv that thc^e three suivive and prosper; 
rather is it l)v adherinti' to the safe and sound linancial 
principles inculcated and practiced hy the administrations 
of which Rufus II. King was the head and front and mov'- 
ing- spirit. With inte^ritv that never faltcrerl, with |)rohitv 
that never swer\ed, with rectitude that never knew the 
shadow of a shade, hv Liiunxleil with i'(|ual vigilance the 
deposit of the widow's mite, and of the rich man's million. 
Panics came, hres de\-oured, rebellion threatened, hard 
money became a tradition ; there must ha\e !)een davs and 
nights when the soundest judgment, the ripest thought, 
the coolest head and the grandest courage alone served to 
avert disaster, and hold ruin, itself, at bay. But of all this 
there is little trace. We onlv see results as thev e.xist in the 
Gibraltar-like foundations on which stand serene and move- 
less, the three financial institutions to wliich were devoted 
the best endeavors of Rufus II. Ivin<r. 



Mr. King was married Sei)temlH'r 15, 1S24, to Miss 
Amelia Laverty, of New York, with whom he lived in 
uninterrupted domestic felieitw antl who survived him till 
January 10, 1S7S. I'heir four children were: Col. Henry 
L. King, who died December 22, 1S78; Mr. j. Howard 
King ; Mrs. i\nna Josephine, wife of Gen. Franklin 
Townsend, who died October 13, 1883; and Gen. Rufus 
H. King. 

Mr. King died sudilenl\' on the morning of the 9th of 



DIED, JULY 9, 1867. 15 

July, 1867. Tlic Albany Evcniuo- Jonriial ai that date 
says cditt)rially (probably by the pen of Mr. George 
Dawson) : 

" In his temperament Mr. King was peculiarly a man of business. 
He devoted himself sedulously to those occupations for which he 
was specially fitted, and though having many opportunities for 
public preferment, avoided them with almost morbid dislike. He 
was a kind and faithful husband, a loving father, a true friend, an 
upright and honored citizen. The most scrupulous integrity 
marked every transaction in which he was engaged. He made 
hosts of friends and no enemies. Generous to the last degree, he 
always saw the best qualities of those with whom he came in con- 
tact, and was probably incapable of cherishing such a sentiment as 
animosity. Though he had lived beyond the measure of time 
usually allotted to many, his habits were so active, and his intel- 
lect so clear that iiis friends had hoped he might still be spared to 
them many years; and he will be keenly missed in the circles he 
has so long adorned with his presence." 

Mr. Thurlow Weed, in announcing editorially in the 
New York Commercial Advertiser of Jul}' 9, the death 
of Mr King, says : 

" This blow falls heavily upon one whose sources of intellectual 
and social enjoyment, Time, with its relentless scythe, keeps nar- 
rowing. Death, only when it entered our household, bereaving us 
of kindred, has come so near, or wounded so deeply. Rufus H. 
King, for full forty years, was, socially, our close companion and 
friend — in business, our counselor and guide. For much of 
material prosperity we are indebted to his guardianship. But 
iiighly as we esteemed him in this relation, his companionship was 
far more precious. 

There was not in the state a more thorough merchant and banker 
than Rufus H. King, or one more extensively known, esteemed or 
confided in. The financial officers of the state, through all changes, 
were accustomed to avail themselves of Mr. King's knowledge and 



l6 IKIIUTE 0|- TIIURI.OW WEED. 

jiuigment as to the time and cliaracler of their loans. His experience 
and advice, always cheerfully given, saved hundreds of thousands 
of dollars to the treasury." 

Twcntv-five years later Mr. Weed retained tlie same 

livcl\- j'ei-lin<j of tjratitude, as e.xpressed in the Ali)anv 

Evetiing Journal nf M arch 22, 1 880 : 

"Subsequently when the Evenini^ Journal hec&me the state paper 
and I a partner, Mr. King kindly became my pecuniary guardian, 
taking the same care of my interests as of his own. Under his 
auspices during the next twenty years he saw, as he used to say 
witli mucli gratification, ' tlic acorn grow into an oak.' It is to his 
devoted friendship that 1 am largely indebted for the competency 
wiiich not only renders llie evening of life free from care and toil, 
but enables me to do something for those less fortunate." 



At a spi'cial nn'etiny of thi- directors of the Xcw \'ork 
State National Bank, lu-ld .Uilv 9, 1867, the following pre- 
anililc and resolnlions were inianimously adopted: 

WincKF..\s, The board has heard with unspeakable regret of the 
sudden and unexpected death of its president, Kufus H. King, Esq., 

A'eso/7'c'i/, That it is with the most painful emotion that we receive 
tidings so conclusively terminating the association which has been 
so long and agreeably maintained between us and our late presi- 
dent, and compel us to mourn that we shall see him among us no 
more. 

Resolved, That in his death which separates us from a tiied friend, 
a wise counselor and liberal citizen, we have sustained a loss to 
which we can be reconciled only by receiving it submissively as the 
decree of Divine Providence. 

Resolved, That we respectfully offer to all the members of the 
family of our deceased friend, our condolence and symjiathv with 
them in their affliction and bereavement; and lliat a copy of these 
resolutions be furnished them, and that they be entered in the 
minutes and published. 



RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT. I 7 

Reso/veJ, Tlial in consitiei"ati<in of tlie long connection of Mr. 
King with tiie l)ani< as director, vice-president and president, and 
of liis devoted services to it, extending over a period of nearly forty 
years, tliat tlie banking room and offices be draped in mourning 
for si.xty days, and tliat the bcjard will attend the funeral in a body. 

J. H. V'an Antwkri', 

Cashier. 



At a s|)ccial nu-ctiiio- of the dircctois of tin- All)any 
Insurance- C'i)inpanv, held Julv 10, 1867, the moiiinful 
inli'lliyencc havino" hccn coninuinicatcd to tliis hoai'd that 
l\iifiis II. Kinjx, the president of the company, siuhleniy 
departed this hfe on the morninti- of the qth inst.. 

Resolved, That we have heard with the most sincere emotions of 
sorrow of the death of our greatly esteemed and most respected 
president, Rufus H. King, by which afflicting event we have lost an 
upright, public spirited and liberal citizen, a faithful, judicious and 
efficient officer, a pleasant companion and a true friend. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the 
family of the deceased, with the assurance of our deep sympathies 
in the sad bereavement which has so unexpectedly deprived them 
of a kind and indulgent husband and parent. 

Harmon Pu.Mi'ia.r.v, 
Stkhhf.n Groesueck, Vice-President. 

Secretary. 



At a meetinjT of the hoard of tiustecs of the Alhany 
Savings Bank, hehl this thu", it was unanimous]\- 

Resolved, That the board has heard with deep regret the announce- 
ment of the death of Rufus H. King, for many years one of its mem- 
bers and since 1861 its president; and that while bearing witness to 
the intelligence, energy and success with which he tlevoted himself to 
its interests, we in common with this entire community feel that 
we are deprived of an enterprising citizen and wise counselor, we 
also, as individuals, mourn the loss of a kinil, genial ami attached 
friend. 



I 8 AT REST. 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathise with the family of the 
deceased in their sudden and afflictive bereavement. 

Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions be transmitted to 
the family of tlie deceased, and be printed. 

Jacoi! H. Ten Evck, 
Robert H. Pkuyn, President pro tern. 

Secretary. 



The funeral took place Friday, July 1 2. The bearers were 
Thurlow Weed, H. T. Morgan and Jacob D. \'ermilye, of 
New York ; Daniel B. St. John, of Newburgh ; Henry 
Burden of Troy ; "■•■Thomas Hillhouse, Thomas W. Olcott, 
Henry H. Martin, Ezra Prentice, Jacob II. Ten Eyck and 
Gen. John Tayler Cooper, of Albany. A stately shaft of 
granite in the Albany Rural cemetery marks the last restinsf 

O 

place of Rufus II. King. 



* The only survivor, September, 1893. 




Col., Henkv L. King. 



THE GIVER OF THE Ff)UNTAIN. 21 



COL. HENRY L. KING 



Y^ASHINGTON PARK, the city of Albany, and all 
who admire the beautiful in art and sentiment, owe 
the existence of the King fountain to the filial affection 
antl public spirit of the late Col. Henry L. King. 

Henry Laverty King was the oldest son of Rufus H. 
King. He was born in Albany June i, 1825 ; ])assed his 
bovhood here; was prepared for college at the Albany 
academy, which stands scarce a stone's throw from his 
father's door ; graduated at Union college in the class of 
'43 ; spent several years in foreign travel, became profi- 
cient in French, and was accomplished in many ways. 
He returned to Albany, and at the outbreak of the war of 
the rebellion entered the service of his country as an 
officer in the gth New York, and was soon made pay- 
master, witii the rank of major, which was advanced by 
brevet to lieutenant-colonel and colonel of volunteers by 
the secretary of war, for faithful and meritorious services. 
Col. King continued his connection with the pay depart- 
ment till 1865 when, the war being over, he resigned, and 
thenceforth made his home in his native city. 

After, for some si.x months, bearing with uncomplain- 
ing fortitude the sufferings incident to an incurable disease. 
Col. King died December 22, 1878, at the house of his 
brother, Mr. J. Howard King, No. i Pink place. The 



22 IIIS GEN'KROUS, MANLY CII A RA( TKR. 

following arc extracts from an article whicli a]ipcarcd the 
following Sunday in the Albany Arg7is : 

"Col. King loved iiis native city and marked every step in her 
progress with interest and appreciation. Not all the allurements 
of foreign travel nor the delight of other cities could win his regard 
from his early home. He took pride in its institutions. Among 
other evidences of this spirit it is worthy of note that he was the 
first and only individual who fitted up a room in the Albany hos- 
pital as a private room. Churches had been busy in thus signal- 
izing themselves, but the "Laverty room" in the hospital, elegantly 
decorated and with every possible convenience for its purpose, will 
be remembered as the first donation of its kind. It was named 
after his mother, the daughter of Henry I^averty, formerly one of 
the merchant princes of New York, and distinguished for many 
noble and delightful qualities. 

"But if Col. King will hold a place in memory as a public 
spirited citizen, he will hold a nobler place in the hearts of thousands 
of the poor and humble, whose regard he secured by countless 
benefactions. Genial, kind-hearted, amiable and affable to all, he 
was specially accessible to the poor, listening to the recital of their 
woes and sympathising with a ready hand. Kindness to the poor 
was the habit of his race, and nobly did he fulfill its traditions. 
Always a gentleman he was nevermore courteous than when in the 
presence of poverty and grief. He bore his protracted illness with 
patience, never uttering the slightest complaint. It had been his 
custom for several years to make a donation towards the Christ- 
mas tree at St. Paul's church, and almost the last act of his life 
was to remember this, which, wliether at home or abroad, he had 
never neglected. 

" Mr. King was a life member of the Burgesses Corps, a member 
of Masters Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, a director of the 
Albany Insurance Company and of the Watervliet Horse Railroad 
and Turnpike Company. He was a widower. His wife, a daughter 
of Isaac N. Phelps of New York, died several years since, and he 
never remarried. He was an affectionate son, a kind husband and 
brother, a public spirited citizen without noisy display, a generous 
hearted and liberal handed friend to the needy and distressed, and 
always and in every relation with his fellow men a thorough gentle- 
man by instinct and cultivation." 




< 
1- 
z 



s 



STORY OF THE FOUNTAIN. 23 



THE MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN 



' I MIE idea of the King' fountain oiiginatcd in this way: 
The first president of the hoard of C(jmniissioners of 
Washington park, Mr. John H. Van Antwerp, who was 
also vice-president of the New York State National Bank, 
of which Mr. J. Howard King is president, frequently 
expressed in iiis presence the hope that the licautiful 
pleasure ground would in time he adorned, hy gift and 
legacy, with statues, fountains, and other works of art. 
In 1876 Mr. J. Howard King, with thousands of otlicrs, 
was greatly impressed witii the iieautv of the Bartholdi 
fountain on exiiihition at the Centennial exposition, and 
with his friend's suggestion in mind, tlie idea occurred to 
liim that it would he a good thing to do to transfer that 
master-piece of French art to Washington park. He 
wrote to the eminent sculptor asking him on what terms he 
would remove the fountain from Philadelphia to Alhany. 
M. Bartholdi came to Albanv, met Mr. King, and said 
that he would sell the fountain as it stood in Philadelphia, 
lull could not attend to its transportation or re-construc- 
tion as he was going l)ack to Europe immediatelv. Mr. 
King was not disposed to run the risk of the transfer, and 
negotiations ceased. 

Meantime, Col. King on returning from abroad, and 
learning of the projjosition, said to his l)rother one day : 



24 HOW THE FUND ORIGINATED. 

" I will sec that a fountain is erected in Washington park, 
and will make it a memorial to our father." 

Almost upon the word he went to his lawyer. John J. 
Oicott, Esq., and added to the will already drawn, a codicil 
authorizing and directing his executors, Mr. J. Howard 
King and Mr. D. W. Wemple, "to erect a fountain in 
Washington park, in the city of Alhany, in memory of my 
father Rufus II. King, deceased," and to expend therefor 
not less than $10,000, which sum could he increased, if 
they so thought best, to $20,000. 

Col. King died as stated December 22, 1878, and the 
will being admitted to jirobate Januarv 9, following, it was 
soon made known that besides numerous legacies to 
()r|)h,m asvlums, hospitals, homes for the friendless and for 
aged men, etc., etc., there was this noble contribution to 
art and to the city of Albany. 

The sentiments which had actuated tlieir brother in 
making this l)e(|uest, found a jirompt and cheerful response 
in the hearts of the surviving members of the familv. At 
the suggestion of Mr. J. Howard King, the second son, 
and the acting executor of the will, and with the cordial 
approval of the late Mrs. Franklin Townsend, the daughter; 
and of Gen. Rufus II. King, the third and youngest son, 
the other $10,000 was added to the legacy, and the $20,000 
was jjut at interest at such a rate as was consistent with 
the proper investment of a trust fund of this character, 
until a proper design could be found anil adopted. 

But this, which at lirsl might ha\'e seemed an eas\' task, 
proved to be a ])roblem which gave many hours of per- 



WHY MOSES WAS SELECTED. 25 

plexity to all concerned, ])articularly to Mr. J. Howard 
King on whom, as the one leoalJv qualilied to carry out 
his dead brother's wishes, the burden rested. Hav'ing been 
successful in what may be said to be the one ambition of 
his life, which was to succeed to the three important posi- 
tions already named as having been held by his father at 
the time of his death, namely, the presidency of the 
Albany Savings Bank, the State Hank, and the Albany 
Insurance Compan\' ; and like his father standing among 
the first of the leading citizens of Albany in enterprise, 
public spirit and love of his native city, it was natural that 
on his own account, as well as for the sake of his dead 
brother and father, he should wish to make the King 
memorial as near what it shouUl l)e, as possible. With 
this end in view, neither time nor trouble was taken into 
the account. Opinions were sought, the most eminent 
artists were consulted, and finally prizes were offered for a 
design. 

Meantime the fund accumulated till it reached the 
handsome sum of oyer $30,000. 

Gradually it grew to be Mr. King's thought that the 
fountain shoukl not be a repetition of the dolphins, the 
naiads, the mermaitls and the water-gods which ha\e serycd 
the purpose from time immemorial ; l)Ul that il should 
represent some event in history, some familiar story that 
would need no e.\])lanation, and for that reason a Script- 
ural sui)ject seemed desirable, but man\' of tiiese were 
hackiK-\'t-(l. {-"inalK' he tli(iUL;lit of Moses at liu' i\(nk n( 
Iloreb. Strange to say, this, the tirst fountain to liiul a 



26 THE SCULPTOR AND HIS WORK. 

])lace in history, had ycl to find its place in art. So pleased 
were Mr. Kiny; and other members of the family with the 
idea, that although all the artists competing had their own 
and different subjects to offer, Mr. King clung to Moses 
from first tu last, and Moses was adopted. 

It was an afterthought, perhaps, that in so doing there 
would be erected in the citv where laws are made for six 
millions of people, and where stands the most costly legis- 
lative building in the world, the only worthy statue in 
America of the greatest law-giver of ancient or modern 
times. 



MR. J. MASSEY RHIND 

The successful competitor, selected by a committee 
whose judgment in matters of art ma\' well be regarded as 
fmal, is Mr. J. Massey Rhind, a native of Scotland, where 
his father and grandfather were sculptors before him. In 
fact the whole family is inibuL-d with artistic tendi'ucies, 
which find expression not only in sculptuie but in archi- 
tecture and illustration of books. The father, Mr. Rhind, 
just before his death in 1892, was made an associate mem- 
ber of the Rt)val Academy, in recognition of his success 
with the statue of the eminent publisher, William Cham- 
bers, recently erected in Edinburgh. The honor is the 
more noteworthy from the fact that it is seldom bestowed 
upon a resident of Scotland, and voung Mr. Rhind speaks 
of it witii tendci pride as a mark of the appreciation 
justly due to an artist of his father's umiuestioned genius. 



Mk. KIIIXDS l'KK\ lOUS KFKOR'l'S. 2/ 

While the career of the youny- man is not as yet a loiiij 
one, it has been characterized h\' nioie than ordinarv i)ril- 
liancv. At the ver\' outset it was his good fortune to win 
1)V work at the Roval Scottish academy to which he was 
sent when a vouth of fifleen, a national scholarship in I he 
academy at South Kensiii<il()n. One scholarship in sculp- 
ture and one in painting' are awarded each vear to luigland, 
Ireland and Scotland. These are naturally honors eagerly 
sought and of great practical value. During Mr. Rhind's 
term at South Kensington he also won the biennial 
golil medal for a composition in sculpture, which drew to 
him the attention of Sir Frederick Leighton, who advised 
him to spend some time in Paris, which he did, studying 
and observing under the instruction of Delau. It was then 
his intention to return to vScotland and assist his father 
Before fairly settling down he vieUleil to a long-felt desire 
to visit America, not with much expectation of remaining, 
however, as his father e.\j)ressed the fear that America was 
not yet ready to give much encouragement to artists. 
Mr. Rhind came over in .Unie, 1889, thinking that he 
would at least see New York and Niagara, and if no open- 
ing appeared return to his father and Edinburgh. Fortu- 
nately very early in his American e\perii-nce he made the 
ac(|uaintance of Dean Iloffmaii who foinid in the \-oung 
artist much enthusiasm in regard to work of a religious 
character, and within a month of his ariival engaged him to 
decorate tiie memorial chapel of the General Theological 
seminarv in New York. 

Not long afterwards he was chosen by Richard M. 



28 WHAT THE FOUiNTAIN REPRESENTS. 

Hunt, after competition, to execute one of the Astor 
memorial doors for Trinitv church, an achievement wliich 
from its conspicuous position and the attention with which 
it is regarded in the world of art, was admirahly calculated 
to gain for a stranger artist the recognition so vital to 
success. 

The King fountain, however, is for several reasons the 
most important commission that has lieen entrusted to 
Mr. Rhind; not merely because of the handsome sum of 
money involved, nor of the originalit\' of the subject, but 
because, standing for generations in one of the most lovely 
parks in the world, it will represent, in some degree, the 
liberality and public spirit of the Capital citv of the 
Empire state, which as all capitals should be, is destined 
as time rolls on, to become a centre in which Art takes its 
place with Architecture in giving e.\])ression to the culture 
and refinement of a great and prosperous people. 

Fully realizing the magnitude of the undertaking, and 
spurred still further by the reflection that upon its success 
depended in no small degree his immediate future in 
America, Mr. Rhind has brought to the task every 
resource at his command, making the matter of cost an 
entirely secondary consideration. 




" MOSES.- 



THE UNVEILING OF THE FOUNTAIN 



'^IIK KING FOUNTAIN stands in the southeast sec- 
tiiin of ^\'ashi^^■tc)n [)ark, near Madison avenue, 
hetween Lexington avenue and \Villett street, and is 
so situated that while not at a great elevation, the prineipal 
figure ean he seen from manv directions am! for long 
distances. 

The unveiling exercises and presentation of the fountain 
l<' tin- cit\' took jilace hridav afternoon, Septemher 29, 
1893. Despite the threatening clouds thousands of pi-o|)le 
assemMcd tn dn luinoi' to the occasion. Tlie Allumx' 
Ziiua\e Cadets iCo. A, Tenth liattalion), of which ( "ol. 
I\ing was a membei', courteousU' \'olunteei'ed, undei' com- 
mand of Capt. E. L. Judson, their escort to the familw 
the orator, tiie poet and the clergyman, wlio arrivi-d in 
carriages preceded h\ Ciarlland's band, between two and 
three o'clock; and with as little delay as possible the fol- 
lowing prugram was carried out amid alternate bursts ot 
sunshine and dashes of heav\' rain : 



30 THE EXERCISES IN' IIIE PARK. 



ORDER OF EXERCISES 



1 MUSIC — America. 

2 PRAYER — 

Rev. Ch.\rles Kim; McH.^rg. 

3 UNVEILING OF THE FOUNTAIN — 

Miss King, Miss Winon.\ King, Miss Irene H. Kim;, 
Miss Mary H. King, Master Thomas W. King. 

4 INTRODUCTION OF THE ORATOR OF THE DAY 

Bv Mr. T. Howard King. 



5 ORATION AND PRESENTATION OF THE FOUNTAIN 
TO THE CITY — 

Gen. Horace Porter. 



6 ACCEPTANCE FOR THE CITY I3Y THE PARK COM- 

MISSIONERS— 

Mr. Charles J. Buchanan. 

7 MUSIC — Selection from " Tlie Messiah." 



8 POEM — 

Mr. William D. Morange. 



9 MUSIC — Home Sweet Home. 



NOBLE TRinUTE OK A (;ENEROU.S SON. 3I 

Ol^iATION 

i!V 

General Horace Porter. 



CHAKSPEARE says, " Beauty itself doth itself persuade the 
eyes of men without an orator," and the beautiful work of art 
which has just been unveiled in your presence, with its chaste lines 
and graceful proportions, speaks so impressively for itself that I 
am sure there is little need of any remarks from the speaker who 
has been asked to address you. 

This fountain, which will henceforth form one of the chief orna- 
ments of this historic city, is the noble tribute of a generous son 
to an honored father. It has been wisely said that he who does 
not respect his ancestors will never be likely to achieve anything 
for which his descendants will respect him. The father, Rufus H. 
King, to whom this work will stand as a fitting and lasting memo- 
rial, was in every way worthy of this tribute of the son. He was 
the descendant of distinguished patriotic ancestry, being the son 
of General Joshua King of Connecticut, who bore a conspicuous 
part in the war of the Revolution. When a very young man he 
selected Albany as his permanent residence, and his name will 
always be inseparably connected with the history and prosperit}^ 
of this cit\'. Early in his career he rose to be one of the most 
successful and respected merchants in the community, and after- 
wards enlarged his sphere of usefulness by becoming a prominent 
banker. When death removed him from the busy walks of life, 
he was president of the Albany Savings Bank, of the New York 
State National Bank, and of the Albany Insurance Company. 
Under his prudent management, these corporations became three 
of the most prosperous institutions of their kind in this portion of 
the state. He had, in the meantime, held other positions of public 
trust and responsibility, and closed his career of usefulness crowned 
with the ripeness of years, and in the enjoyment of a name which 
had become the synonym of commercial honor It was eminently 
fitting that sucii a memory should be pcrpetu.ited by a public testi- 
monial, and it does inhnite honor to the heart of that son, wiiose 



32 THE COMI'EIIXC ARTISTS. 

tlioughtfulne.ss and affection prompted liim to make ample pro- 
vision in his will for carrying out this laudable purpose. 

Colonel Henry L. King died in this city on the 22d of December, 
1878. His will was probated January 10, 1879. A codicil to this 
instrument directed that the sum of $10,000 should be devoted to 
the erection of a fountain in Washington park in memory of his 
father who had died July 9, 1S67. The will of Colonel King also 
authorized his executors to add to this sum another $10,000 in case 
it sho'.ild, in their judgment, be necessary in order to make the 
work conform in every respect to the purpose for which it was 
intended. The surviving brothers and the sister promptly approved 
of making an addition of $10,000 to the original amount. This 
was carried into effect by the oldest surviving brother and surviv- 
ing executor of the will, Mr. J. Howard King. The money was 
judicious!)' invested, and at the beginning of this year the principal 
with the accrued interest amounted to the handsome sum of 
over $30,000. 

The executor had been confronted with the exceedingly difficult 
problem of securing the erection of a fountain which would 
thoroughly carry out the wishes of Colonel King, be worthy of the 
handsome park in which it was to be placed, and be possessed of 
sufficient originality and beauty to spare it from the adverse criti- 
cism of persons of cultivated artistic tastes. Many suggestions 
were received, but they were so lacking either in originality, or in 
artistic merit, that it was found better to reject them, notwith- 
standing the delay involved, than to make a hasty selection and 
fall short of the high aim which had been adhered to from the outset 
by those charged with the accomplishment of the work. In the 
happy result finally attained, the wisdom of making haste slowly 
has received another confirmation. After thoroughly canvassing 
the matter, and bringing to bear upon it a well-matured judgment, 
it was decided by the executor and the other relatives of 
Colonel King, that the most original and desirable subject 
would be a representation of Moses smiling the rock. Each of the 
following named artists was invited to submit a design, either illus- 
trative of this conception, or of some other subject to be chosen 
by himself : Daniel C. French, Ephraim P. Keyser, Charles H. 
Niehaus, and J. Massey Rhind. Their high professional reputa- 
tion and artistic taste made them a most appropriate choice for 




" CHILDHOOD.' 



THE COM.MITIKK OF SEI.KCTIOX. 2)?i 

the accomplishment of this impoilant \voii<. Models were pre- 
pared of tiie several designs fnrnished by these gentlemen, and 
were put upon exhibition in Albany, in order that they might be 
inspected by the park commissioners, the press and the general 
public. In the further exercise of the painstaking care which had 
been manifested throughout, these models were then taken to New 
York and submitted to a committee consisting of Mr. J. O. A. Ward, 
a sculptor of world-wide reputation, Mr. Daniel Huntington, the 
celebrated artist, president of the Academy of National Design, 
and of the Century Association of New York, a club composed 
largely of professional artists and amateurs in art, Richard M. 
Hunt, the eminent architect and the only American, I believe, who 
has ever been honored by being decorated with the Gold Cross of 
the Society of British Architects, Mr. W. H. Chase, president of 
the Society of American Artists, and the Rev, Dr. Morgan Dix. It 
would seem impossible to have selected a committee more emi- 
nently fitted for the task presented to them. The design which 
commended itself to this committee more highly than any other 
was the one submitted by Mr. J. Massey Rhind, of New York, a 
young Scotchman who had lived only a few years in this country, 
but who was gaining an enviable reputation in his profession, and 
who, amongst other works, executed the designs for one of the 
Astor memorial doors in Trinity church. After Mr. Rhind's model 
had been approved by the committee, it was submitted to the park 
commissioners for their action, and was by them unaniinously 
accepted, and a place was provided for its erection in Washington 
park. The design also received the approval of the surviving rela- 
tives and residuary legatees of Colonel King, and with their assent 
Mr. J. Howard King entered into a contract with Mr. Rhind for 
the execution of the fountain. Hovi' well this distinguished artist has 
accomplished the important work entrusted to him, you who gaze 
upon it to-day are now able to judge. 

Tiie capital city of our state is certainly to be congratulated 
upon this conspicuous and thoroughly meritorious addition to the 
works which contribute to its embellishment. 

The enduring bronze in which it has been cast will be an ever- 
present object lesson in art. There is nothing which cultivates a 
higher taste in a community than the ])ublic display of deserving 
works of art. Art is more godlike tluui science, for while science 



34 FOUNTAINS AS PUBLIC MONUMENTS. 

only discovers, art creates. All art is suggested by nature, and is 
often nature's best interpreter. It has therefore been said with 
much truth, that he who is an enemy of art is an enemy of nature. 
If an emperor could stoop to pick up the brush dropped by a 
Titian, all men may bow to art. It speaks a universal language, 
and imparts a lasting pleasure to all. It appeals to our highest 
senses and awakens our noblest emotions. It is an eternal bene- 
diction. It induces the power of reflection and inspires us with 
the majesty of the creative faculty. The enjoyment of it is an act 
which never wearies, and is one of the few pleasures which bring 
with them no punishment. The gratification it affords is all 
engrossing, yet unselfish, for its indulgence robs no one of his 
right to share its joys. A critic has said, "The art of a thing lies 
first in the aim and next in the manner of accomplishment." The 
high aim of the conception of this work of art reflects unques- 
tioned praise upon its author, and its manner of accomplishment 
will add largely to the fame of the artist by whom it has been so 
successfully executed. The design recalls one of the most memo- 
rable incidents in biblical history, and makes prominent a useful 
lesson from Scripture. 

We can hardly conceive of a more appropriate monument or 
memorial intended to contribute to the adornment of a great city, 
and to the convenience and pleasure of its citizens than a public 
fountain. It becomes the cup-bearer to the populace. Byron 
says, 

" Till-taught by pain. 
Men really know not what good water's worth. 
If you had been in Turkey, or in Spain, 
Or with a famished boat's crew had your berth, 
Or in the desert heard the camel's bell, 
You'd wish yourself where truth is — in a well." 

The sight and sound of water are never-failing sources of 
delight. It is water which mirrors in its surface nature's beauties 
which surround it, and reflects Heaven in its face. There is music 
in its rill. The sound of its ripplings never fails to touch some 
sacred chord of nii/mor\'. Its cup is tlie cup which knnws no poison. 
It slakes the thirst of fevered tongues, it is the joy of youth, the boon 
of old age, nature's best physician, the true medicine of life, and 
the universal dispenser of health. 



rUJJLIC MONUiMKNTS SIIOU!,!) HE (;II"I"S. 35 

It can not fail to be a source of inexpressible congratulation to 
the people of any community that its public monuments should be 
contributed, not by a state or city government, but by the gene- 
rosity of its citizens. One of the chief prides of our country — and 
the practice in this respect differs widely from that of other 
countries — is that the monuments whicii lend tiieir beauty to public 
places are not erected with money wrung from unwilling taxpaj'ers, 
but furnished by individuals or by voluntary contributions from the 
people. Under such circumstances, the people feel a deeper 
interest in their monuments, and look upon them not only as works 
of adornment, but as evidences of generosity and public spirit. In 
some of the European cities, when mob violence has reigned in the 
streets, the populace have attacked and destroyed the works of art 
erected by the government. In this country, wherever a great 
monument is in whole or in part the result of the voluntary 
contributions of its citizens, no matter what madness may rule the 
liour, there need be no fear that such memorials will not be 
watched and guarded by the people as carefully as the dragon 
guarded the Hesperian fruit. 

In a land of free institutions and generous impulses, nothing is 
detested so much as avarice, nothing is admired so much as gene- 
rosity. Douglas Jerrold said, "Some men's hearts are shrunk in 
them like dried nuts. You can hear 'em rattle as they walk." 
There are too many men at the present day who provide, that after 
they have descended into the tomb, their money shall be invested in 
securities whicli shall lie in vaults as tomb-like as their own sepul- 
chres, that such values shall be hidden out of sight, and contribute 
to the happiness of none save those who draw the revenues. We 
are prepared to look with pleasure and commendation upon the 
men who [)iace their money above grouiul, in factories, in lines of 
transportation, in mercantile houses and other useful establish- 
ments; and especially do we admire those who have sufficient 
generosity and consideration for their fellow beings to devote a 
portion of their means to the creation of monuments, statues and 
other memorials which shall stand forth in the broad light of daj-, 
conspicuous among our public art works, and contribute for ages 
to the pleasure and instruction of an entire community. 

As the munificence of a Mtecenas was necessary to literature in 
the Augustan age of Rome, so art at the present day requires 



36 IlICHEST TVI'K ()]■• A SON's DKVO'l'IDN. 

patrons able to give substantial encouragement to its creators. 
Unfortunately most of our citizens who are clothed abundantly 
with the world's riches have had tlieir minds so absorbed through- 
out an active business life in caring for their material interests that 
they have not acquired a sufficient taste for art to be counted 
among its votaries. On the other hand, those who are endowed 
with true artistic instincts, have lived so much in the realms of 
fancy and spent so much of their time in the e.xercise of tastes 
wliich produce but little pecuniary reward that they have not the 
means which would enable them to become useful patrons of art. 

For the creation of our artistic memorials, we must depend upon 
those who are possessed at the same time of a love and apprecia- 
tion of art and of sufficient wealth to furnish the means required 
to carry to successful e.xecution the conceptions of the artists' 
minds. It is fortunate for our people when a man is found who 
combines within himself these two requirements so essential to the 
production of artistic works. 

The present memorial will remain for all time as a noble tribute 
of filial affection, and as a fitting adornment to the native city of 
the donor. Its presence will recall the highest type of a son's 
devotion; it will point a worthy lesson in generous sentiment; its 
mute eloquence will plead for like action on the part of others yet 
to come, and the name of its donor will never cease to command 
the gratitude of this community as long as men entertain a sense 
of the beautiful in art and an appreciation of the liberality of 
public spirited American citizens. 

It now gives me great pleasure, in the name and on behalf of Mr. 
J. Howard King, the sole surviving executor of the will of the 
late Colonel Henry L. King, to formally present to the city of 
Albany, through you, gentlemen of the board of park commis- 
sioners, this memorial fountain. 




" YOUTH." 



AN ACCOMPLISHED PURPOSE. T^-J 

THE ACCEPTANCE 

BY 

Mr. Charles J. Buchanan. 



TN accepting: the fountain for the citv, Mr. Chaiics | 
Buchanan, on hehalf of the park commissioners, 
saitl : 
Mr. J. Howard King, Ladies and Gentlemen : 

We are here this afternoon to finish the purpose of the late Cohinel 
Henry L. King to erect a fountain in Washington park in memory 
of his father. Not long before Colonel King's death, from almost 
this very spot he informed friends who were then with him, of his 
intention to make this bequest to the city of Albany, for the object 
already suggested. It was a happy thought and a most gracious 
act on his part to so kindly remember his native city. It was, also, 
a filial act and full of devotion to the memory of his distinguished 
father, the late Rufus H. King. 

The remote effects of this loyal impulse, noble and characteristic 
as it was of Colonel King, may not have been foreseen by him. It 
may be that he did not at that time fully realize the consequence 
and importance of his generosity and forethought. But whether 
this be so or not, that intention of his was born of inspiration. 
This structure will always be known as the " King P'ountaiii." 
Strangers and persons unfamiliar with the origin of the gift will 
invariably ask to be informed of the significance of this name; 
and so the story of the fountain will continue to be repeated 
until all the facts connected with it will have become legendary 
and part of the history of Albany. To have one's name thus 
honorably associated with the current local history of his time is 
a pardonable vanit)- and worthy of emulation. 

After what has been so eloquently and so truly said of him b)^ 

the orator whose words have so entranced us this afternoon, it is 

hardly pertinent for me to say anything to you of the late Henry 

L. King in performing my simple duty here. I was more than 

charmed by the oration of General Porter: 

" The angel ended, and in Adam's ear 
So charming left his voice, that he awhile 
Thought him still speaking." 



38 THE FOUNTAIN ACCEPTED. 

It is proper, however, for me to pay tribute to him from whom 
the city, whose servant I am, receives the beautiful fountain which 
has just been unveiled before us. 

Many of you well remember our benefactor. He was always 
courtly and affable, ever in touch with his fellow men; invariably 
mindful of all that goes to make up the amenities of life; scorning 
all tliat was contemptible, mean, or deceitful; recognizing worth 
and merit wherever he saw them; of a happy, cheerful disposition; 
polished and engaging in his manners; educated, loved, honored 
and respected; possessing all these endowments, qualities and 
talents; in a word, 

" He bore without abuse 
The grand old name of gentleman." 

It is useless to ask why such a man was so popular among his 
associates, or why he should so fondly remember both his father 
and his home. His remains, as well as those of Rufus H. King, 
rest in yonder beautiful cemetery, fittingly marked and cherished 
by loving hearts and willing hands. This monument will for ages 
contribute to rescue their memories from the common decay. The 
skillful handiwork before us needs no encomium from my lips. 
The fountain is imposing, unique and artistic. The merits of the 
structure show for themselves, and are both original and striking. 

All honor to the artist who has so ably and faithfully interpreted 
and realized the dream of Colonel King. To be thus remembered in 
granite and in bronze is an ambition to which everybody may aspire. 
So long, at least, as a stone or statue of this fmintaiu shall remain, 
will the names of Rufus H. King and Henry L. King be held 
in grateful remembrance. It may be truly observed of him who 
raises such a nKjnument as this for the public to enjoy, that he 
builds wiser than he knew; that he is a philanthropist, and that his 
works do follow him. 

May we never fail to cherish and revere the manhood and ex- 
ample of the father, to perpetuate whose memory this fountain was 
intended ; nor should we ignore the name and precedent of the son 
by whose munificence its erection was made possible. 

In behalf of the board of commissioners of Washington park, it 
gives me great pleasure to accept this gift for the city of Albany. 




\ 



'■MANHOOD.' 



THE rOET GLANCETll HACKWARIi. 39 

THE POEM, 

By William D. Morange. 



J^ "IVT'^'r many j'eafs have lapsed since drowsy Fame 

Snored through the trumpet which pronounced our name, 
And flung such stupor round it, that when seen. 
It stood for laudanum, opium or morphine. 
Now modern progress works such magic change. 
Each year develops something new and strange." 

Thus — ere our city knew this splendid park, 

Once on a time, I ventured to remark. 

Note now how time has verified the thought — 

What marvellous changes fleeting years have brought! 

And fail not, with a generous pride, to mark 

The radiant glories of this lovely park; 

The fine artistic sense that seems to spread 

A constant beauty wheresoe'er we tread. 

True genius oft approaching, to enhance 

The charms of nature with some art romance. 

To those who knew our city in the day 

When all around this region meant decay. 

To those who from this spot, in vanished years. 

Saw nature's beauties oft through blinding tears — 

When death and sorrow lent a solemn gloom. 

To the not distant empire of the tomb — 

The charm, the sweetness, life, now reigning here. 

Like fairy work or magic must appear. 

Could Gabriel Tom Mulhall — whose potent tones 
Controlled in former days the city bones. 
And bade them rise by sections or platoons. 
And march elsewhere, like soldiers or dragoons — 
Once more inspect the tombstone realm he knew. 
And learn how taste and art improve the view 
lie would be fairly startled with surprise. 
As modern changes met his wondering eyes. 
And claims for glory and renown might make 
Some common council special action take. 



40 THE BURNS STATUE. 

Despite rebuke, contempt and constant sneer 
About the sleepy march of progress here, 
The town we hve in may with justice claim 
Real, well-earned tribute for advancing fame; 
And, while the push in building everywhere 
Develops progress often grand and rare. 
Doubt vanishes, in minds that comprehend 
The varied changes of this western end. 
And can with present progress here, contrast 
' The dark sepulchral region of the past. 

Which timid souls approached with bated breath — 
Where art meant tombstones, and advance meant death. 
View now the region, where, entranced we stand! 
Where Art and Nature, resting hand in hand. 
Combine their glories, and in myriad ways. 
Delight our vision and control our praise; 
And thank kind Heaven, for the proud display. 
That genuine local pride can boast to-day. 



A little while ago, art here revealed 

A form renowned in the poetic field ; 

Now, while each heart with fervent praises turns 

To greet, admire and cherish Robert Burns — 

Another magnate, of more ancient days, 

A striking feature in our art displays. 

Stands here, unveiled, to give this ancient town, 

New claim to special glory and renown. 

Hail the King Fountain ! May its glory live 
While true Albanian pride has words to give ! 
Perfect in all that loftiest art demands. 
High tribute to an honored name it stands! 
Long may the memory of that honored name 
Be shrined in hearts that know how true its claim ! 

In the fierce whirl of life, when war's red blaze 

Gleamed on our country in its earlier days — 

When England's king lost here his power and crown - 

A King in Yankee land acquired renown. 

A Yankee King — young Joshua — brave and true. 



Scotland's scui.i'roK kiiinh. 41 

Took lofty rank with thoKe who donned the l)hie, 

Secured historic fame, and built a life 

That shines through those dark hours of freedom's strife. 

When, as the years rolled on, our city knew 

A scion of that Joshua brave and true, 

When Rufus, son of Joshua, ventured here, 

Found here sweet home, and made his title clear 

To wealth and prominence, and those delights 

That genuine worth both merits and invites — 

All knew a man, around whose life there clung. 

In ripened age, as when his years were young — 

The light of honor, truth, integrity — 

A friend, whom rich and i^oor were proud to see — 

An upright, genial, noble citizen 

Kind, true, and loved by all his fellow men. 

Proud of the city where life's loveliest (lowers 

Had bloomed and blossomed with time's fleeting hours. 

Like home regard, impressed the hearts of those. 

Through all whose lives home influence ever shows. 

Inspired with love of home, all hearts like one. 

His children bless the realm where life begun. 

Proud of old Albany, here now appears. 

The record of that pride, for future years 

To love and cherish. May such acts inspire 

Like deeds, for Time to honor and admire! 



Hail then this splendid gift 1 this dream of art — 
Where genius shines through each and every part : 
Bold, novel, grand, idea and work combined. 
It stamps with glory Scotland's sculptor Rhind I 
All honor to the artist! Let his name 
Stand high and bright upon our roll of fame ! 

Could this, our state's domain of law behold 

More fitting presence than we now unfold, 

When here, unveiled, the world can greet with praise, 

The great law-giver of time's early days? 

(Though some may wish this old law-giving town. 

Unveiled such magnates somewhat further down). 



42 IlOXoR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE. 

Could artist brain conceive a better theme, 

Presenting Albany's long cherished dream, 

Of seeing some great power rising up 

And striking for pure water for the cup? 

Could city water always verify 

The charm this fount presents to every eye — 

And infancy and manhood, youth and age. 

Enjoy pui-e water as their heritage — 

The donors, artist, general public here, 

Might thrill as though angelic hours were near ! 



One thing I can not fail to here remark 
About our present action in the park : 
When Roman emperors, in ancient days. 
Indulged in their magnificent displays, 
On marked occasions, full of grand design, 
They made their stately fountains flow with wine. 
Now, modern Kings, bestowing founts for water. 
Are proud to have them introduced by Porter. 

High honor to the artist! When he turns 

And scans the statue of his brother Burns, 

The gift of Scotland's children, wrought by one 

Whose art career in Albany begun — 

And hears the welcome burst of wild applause 

Greet his own magnate of old scripture laws — 

He must not be amazed, his heart must thrill. 

When the loud tones of those who climb the hill 

To hail art wonders and admire the roses 

Ring out with [jower, " Great Scot! and Holy Moses ! ' 

Or gathering round the fount their words take wings 

And hail this royal gift, " By gracious Kings!" 



High honor to the liberal hands and hearts 

And true home pride, inviting here the arts 

To mark, adorn, and yield a new delight 

To this domain of beauty grand and bright ! 

Kind wi.shes for prosperity and health 

For those who thus make blessings of their wealth. 




... '-^x-'v .^- 



"OLD AGE" 



THE BANQUET. 43 

Tn the evening a dinner was given at the ImmI Orange 
club, by Mr. J. Howard King, in honor of Gen. Porter, 
and of the occasion. Covers were laid for about seventy 
guests, including those who had taken part in the exercises 
of the day, the mayor and city officials, the park and the 
water commissioners, state officials, judges of the court of 
appeals, trustees and directors of the three financial institu- 
tions of which Mr. Rufus H. King, was. and Mr. J. Howard 
King, is president, members of the press, and personal 
friends. It was a fitting end to a memorable day. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE FOUNTAIN. 

The accompanying pictures from photographs give a 
better idea of the fountain than can be derived from any 
verbal description. 

No attempt has been made by the sculptor to portray 
history, and to call the fountain '"Moses Smiting the 
Rock" would be clearly a misnomer; for in order that it 
mio-ht be monumental in character, as seemed essential, it 
was necessary that the central figure should stand upon the 
rock and not beside it ; so Moses appears, in heroic size, 
upon the apex, with arms uplifted, rod in hand, summon- 
ing the people to come and partake of the freelv llowing 
water. The figure is bdlh majestic and graceful ; the feet 
are firmly placed, the drapery is skilfully handled, the pose 
is commanding, and the statue in every way worthv of its 



44 r.EAUTii:s of tmi: fountaix. 

noble sul)ject. The head, while by no means a slavish 
copy of Michael Angelo's famous Moses, is modeled after 
that universally accepted type, to depart from which might 
have seemed almost audacious. It is the Moses of the 
Bible, of art and of our own imagination. 

As tvpical of the vast multitudes of cverv age who fol- 
lowed their leader into the wilderness, side statues in 
bronze have l)een placed at the four corners of the rock. 
They represent the four great periods of life. Childhood 
is personified by a naked babe to whom, in its mother's arms 
she is giving drink, and an older l)o\' l)\- her side helping 
himself. It is a beautiful grou]), natural, graceful and 
charming. Youth is shown in the person of a voung 
virgin, half nude, coming with pitchers, as came Rebekah 
and the woman of Samaria, to the well. The subject has 
been treated with great delicacv and with great success. 
Manhood is tvpified as a warrior, with sword strapped to 
his waist, shield at his back, and extending l)Oth hands to 
catch the water as it falls. The hair is long, and the body 
naked with the exception of from the loins to the knees. 
Old Age leans on his staff as he quaffs the sparkling 
stream. 

The water Hows in cascades, ingeniouslv contrived to 
afford a pleasing N'ariety, so that no two sides of the fountain 
are at all alike in this respect. Around all is a s|)acious 
basin which gold and silver fish, lilies and other a(iuatic 
plants will make both interesting and beautiful. 

The rocks brought from the Storm King mountain on 
the Hudson have been so put together by Mr. M. T. 



THK CITY A r NO K\ I'lASi:. 45 

Mullinson as (o hide artilicc entirely. These will soon he 
covered with Japanese ivv and otiier veijetation. 

The unseen plunihinLi has heen earefulU' done, and the 
interior worics are so constructed tiiat thev can he reached 
at anv time tiirou<jh a tunnel to which there is a bronze 
door with the inscription: 

"This fountain was erected hv Henry L. King in 
memory of his father, Rufus II. King. — 1893 — J. 
Massey Rhind, sculptor." 

The fountain sup|)lementcd hv a sum the income of 
which is intended to keep it in repair, was turned over to 
the citv complete, without the cost to the ])uhlie of a 
single penny, Mr. J. Howard King having jjertonally 
met all incidental expenses from first to last. 



In discussing the propriety of using so large a sum of 
money for a ])ulilic fountain, il has heen said elsewhere 
and ma\' here he lepeated : 

"Whenever a large sum of money is devised to an\' pub- 
lic purpose other public purposes rise up as rival claimants; 
and es|)eeiall\- is this true where the oi)ject benelited 
or provided for is aitislic in its naline. A fountain, a 
statue, a monument, a memorial arch is sure to elicit the 
protest : 

"'W'hv was not this ointmiiit sold for 300 pence and 
given to the poor?'" 



46 



A KINC; OF FOUNTAINS. 



^ "Art has her mission, as well as Charity, or History, or 
Fame; and fortunate for lovers of Art in this jroodly city 
no matter hou- j.oor or humhlc they may be -fortunate 
ior the cnv itself, fortunate for the memorv of one of its 
most distinguished citizens of former vears, the Kin<r 
memorial is not only a King fountain, hut a king of fou^- 
tams among the fountains of this age and countr\- " 




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W^^ N. MANCHESTER, 
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